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mells_view's reviews
1750 reviews
A Happy Marriage by A.R. Torre
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
In our marriage, death is a common disruption of our peace.
3.5*
I stayed up until 3AM so I could finish reading ‘A Happy Marriage’. The pieces of the puzzle start connecting quite early on in this one. The characters pretty much lay out a story for you and then dare you to believe it. Most of the answers are right there if you’re paying attention, but trust you will start to doubt yourself and what you’re given and you definitely should. This one is sad, but I enjoyed it. If you enjoy domestic thrillers that have a dash of dark humor along with the twisted, then this book is a gem.
3.5*
I stayed up until 3AM so I could finish reading ‘A Happy Marriage’. The pieces of the puzzle start connecting quite early on in this one. The characters pretty much lay out a story for you and then dare you to believe it. Most of the answers are right there if you’re paying attention, but trust you will start to doubt yourself and what you’re given and you definitely should. This one is sad, but I enjoyed it. If you enjoy domestic thrillers that have a dash of dark humor along with the twisted, then this book is a gem.
Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
“I’ve never wished for ignorance, but I wish we didn’t know what we know. I wish I’d just taken you and ran.”
Dream Girl Drama started off pretty strong for me. Potential adult step-siblings, who meet like hours before they find out their possible legal connection, try to resist the intense and immediate connection they have. I thought the initial longing and protectiveness from Sig over Chloe was sweet. These two just yearned for each other and Sig was adamant that they were destined and that whether they ended up together or not, Chloe deserved to live her dreams her way and to live life her way. All that was great. I think I may be a little jaded though because I started getting annoyed at the point where everyone was making it a huge deal that these non-related adults may have feelings for each other because their middle aged multi-marriage parents might get married. Like I’m sorry, but in the real world this may make me pause but it isn’t that weird considering they didn’t grow up together and met as adults. BUT maybe I’m a hippie or something. So I think that detail being battered into my head as some big horrible ominous threat to their careers and life itself kind of took the vibes down for me. So while I love Chloe and Sig, I think this trope works better in a taboo/forbidden light when it’s a new adult romance or when they were actually step-siblings that shared a home. Then I understand people’s concerns.
Also, this was the audio version of this book. I thought voice actors did a great job. I felt engaged and really invested in the story as they acted it out.
*ALC from Libro.fm
Dream Girl Drama started off pretty strong for me. Potential adult step-siblings, who meet like hours before they find out their possible legal connection, try to resist the intense and immediate connection they have. I thought the initial longing and protectiveness from Sig over Chloe was sweet. These two just yearned for each other and Sig was adamant that they were destined and that whether they ended up together or not, Chloe deserved to live her dreams her way and to live life her way. All that was great. I think I may be a little jaded though because I started getting annoyed at the point where everyone was making it a huge deal that these non-related adults may have feelings for each other because their middle aged multi-marriage parents might get married. Like I’m sorry, but in the real world this may make me pause but it isn’t that weird considering they didn’t grow up together and met as adults. BUT maybe I’m a hippie or something. So I think that detail being battered into my head as some big horrible ominous threat to their careers and life itself kind of took the vibes down for me. So while I love Chloe and Sig, I think this trope works better in a taboo/forbidden light when it’s a new adult romance or when they were actually step-siblings that shared a home. Then I understand people’s concerns.
Also, this was the audio version of this book. I thought voice actors did a great job. I felt engaged and really invested in the story as they acted it out.
*ALC from Libro.fm
Comeback by Rebecca Jenshak
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“We’re just…roommates.”
Sabrina and Archer were so dang cute together I can barely stand it. It’s always so good to be back with the Holland brothers, but add in honorary Holland bro Brogan’s long lost little sister and it just takes it next level. I love that even though these two start a little at odds, they end up quickly realizing how perfect they are for each other outside of how much they adore and care for Brogan. Archer is protective of the ones he loves and that quickly carries over to his love for Sabrina. Sabrina uplifts and truly listens to Archer and his needs and it’s just, so nice to read a book where the love is easy once it starts. They both have things they are dealing with in life and seeing them lean on each other through it warmed my heart. Sigh.
Comeback is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys the angst of roommates who don’t fully get along falling in love and just sweet romance overall.
Sabrina and Archer were so dang cute together I can barely stand it. It’s always so good to be back with the Holland brothers, but add in honorary Holland bro Brogan’s long lost little sister and it just takes it next level. I love that even though these two start a little at odds, they end up quickly realizing how perfect they are for each other outside of how much they adore and care for Brogan. Archer is protective of the ones he loves and that quickly carries over to his love for Sabrina. Sabrina uplifts and truly listens to Archer and his needs and it’s just, so nice to read a book where the love is easy once it starts. They both have things they are dealing with in life and seeing them lean on each other through it warmed my heart. Sigh.
Comeback is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys the angst of roommates who don’t fully get along falling in love and just sweet romance overall.
The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Super sweet best friends—frenemies—to lovers romance novella. This is Valentine’s Day themed where the heroine returns to her small town to record a podcast about the towns holiday traditions. Rose, Tennessee has its own unique way to celebrate, they hold a kiss lottery with people who sign up and pair up couples to go on a date and then see where it goes by. No pressure. Just to see if magic happens. Everly hadn’t been to her hometown in years and the man who chased her out seems unhappy to see her once she’s back. Seems being the operative. I enjoyed this read because it was just easier than expected. When someone runs from their small town you expect a less than stellar welcome home, but Everly is loved and Beckett made sure their reunion was more than just apologies and confessions. If you’re looking for a sweet semi-second chance romance, then I highly recommend this read.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I remember every moment with him. Each one is written on my heart.
Super sweet best friends—frenemies—to lovers romance novella. This is Valentine’s Day themed where the heroine returns to her small town to record a podcast about the towns holiday traditions. Rose, Tennessee has its own unique way to celebrate, they hold a kiss lottery with people who sign up and pair up couples to go on a date and then see where it goes by. No pressure. Just to see if magic happens. Everly hadn’t been to her hometown in years and the man who chased her out seems unhappy to see her once she’s back. Seems being the operative. I enjoyed this read because it was just easier than expected. When someone runs from their small town you expect a less than stellar welcome home, but Everly is loved and Beckett made sure their reunion was more than just apologies and confessions. If you’re looking for a sweet semi-second chance romance, then I highly recommend this read.
Bad Boys Don't Die: The Complete Collection by BB Easton
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
When you fall in love at the end of the world, you live every day like it’s your last.
This was a banger. It’s stressful and overwhelming, but it’s also deeply emotional. A trilogy following a young woman named Rain and her hero/captor Wes. It’s the end of the world and she’s just trying to get through the last few days. Wes shows up in town looking for something, but what he finds is Rain. Their story is hard, sad, and gut wrenching, but it’s also beautiful two souls rushing in to love when things feel hopeless. I don’t want to give it all away, so I’ll leave it at that. A unique spin on survival romance.
TW: drug abuse, graphic violence, explicit sexual content, suicidal ideation, suicide, murder, graphic injuries, gun violence, rape, bullying, I may be missing some.
This was a banger. It’s stressful and overwhelming, but it’s also deeply emotional. A trilogy following a young woman named Rain and her hero/captor Wes. It’s the end of the world and she’s just trying to get through the last few days. Wes shows up in town looking for something, but what he finds is Rain. Their story is hard, sad, and gut wrenching, but it’s also beautiful two souls rushing in to love when things feel hopeless. I don’t want to give it all away, so I’ll leave it at that. A unique spin on survival romance.
TW: drug abuse, graphic violence, explicit sexual content, suicidal ideation, suicide, murder, graphic injuries, gun violence, rape, bullying, I may be missing some.
The Apple Tree by Jewel E. Ann
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
We were a tinderbox, and every touch and look sparked an uncontrollable flame.
Honestly, I don’t even know what I’m allowed to say about this book other than it’s a forbidden age gap romance that’s so emotionally charged that it put me through the wringer and had me up early into the morning reading to see what would happen. Eve, the preacher’s freshly graduated “rebel” middle daughter and Kyle, the new next door neighbor, who is a single dad and the high school math teacher just can’t seem to stay away from each other even though they know they probably should. I loved their story because of course it’s forbidden and angsty, but it also goes deeper than their romance in ways that will make you care for these characters.
Anyway. If you enjoy forbidden age gap romance that will hit all the emotional checkpoints, while still being funny, steamy, and relatable, then The Apple Tree is the perfect read for you!
AVAILABLE JANUARY 23RD!
*ARC
Honestly, I don’t even know what I’m allowed to say about this book other than it’s a forbidden age gap romance that’s so emotionally charged that it put me through the wringer and had me up early into the morning reading to see what would happen. Eve, the preacher’s freshly graduated “rebel” middle daughter and Kyle, the new next door neighbor, who is a single dad and the high school math teacher just can’t seem to stay away from each other even though they know they probably should. I loved their story because of course it’s forbidden and angsty, but it also goes deeper than their romance in ways that will make you care for these characters.
Anyway. If you enjoy forbidden age gap romance that will hit all the emotional checkpoints, while still being funny, steamy, and relatable, then The Apple Tree is the perfect read for you!
AVAILABLE JANUARY 23RD!
*ARC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Abandonment
Cash by Jessica Peterson
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Leaving isn’t in my nature. But I’m not sure staying is in hers.
City girl with a deeply hidden desire for wide open spaces. Cowboy who is strung so tight he can’t see anything past work and keeping his family safe. Mollie and Cash start out at odds. Her absent-ish father leaves her pretty much everything in his will and Cash, his ranches foreman, what seems like nothing after he was promised everything. So they don’t get along because Cash is scared Mollie is going to destroy what he was banking on to be the rest of his and his families lives, but he judges her too soon.
I enjoyed this book because Mollie is not what everyone expects and she’s not even what she expects of herself. I love that she sort of finds herself and her own sort of peace in this story. Cash is just down bad for Mollie and while I thought he was a butthead at first I really grew to love him and the way he loves. ANYWAY. Definitely need to enjoy a tense slowburn to read this one, but the slow pays off with that burn. Lordy.
Ok that’s it. That’s the review.
City girl with a deeply hidden desire for wide open spaces. Cowboy who is strung so tight he can’t see anything past work and keeping his family safe. Mollie and Cash start out at odds. Her absent-ish father leaves her pretty much everything in his will and Cash, his ranches foreman, what seems like nothing after he was promised everything. So they don’t get along because Cash is scared Mollie is going to destroy what he was banking on to be the rest of his and his families lives, but he judges her too soon.
I enjoyed this book because Mollie is not what everyone expects and she’s not even what she expects of herself. I love that she sort of finds herself and her own sort of peace in this story. Cash is just down bad for Mollie and while I thought he was a butthead at first I really grew to love him and the way he loves. ANYWAY. Definitely need to enjoy a tense slowburn to read this one, but the slow pays off with that burn. Lordy.
Ok that’s it. That’s the review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed Swift and Saddled and think the narrators did a fantastic job. Ada and Wes were super sweet and hot as well. I love that they were perfectly what each other needed and just how supportive and impressed by each other they truly were. Celebrating and rooting for your partner is something I wish we saw in more books and I feel like Lyla Sage wrote that supportive relationship dynamic perfectly in this book. I felt like Ada was so relatable because I am the same way when it comes to relationships, whether they are romantic or platonic. I fear losing them before l've really even enjoyed them, so I put up those walls, so I enjoyed reading about a character who was that way and how she navigated through it cautiously. All in all this was a good read. I've already read the other two, but I am so excited for book four to come out this year.
Stealing for Keeps by Rebecca Jenshak
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“I like the way he sees me. The way he draws me. The way he always seems to know exactly what I need.”
Stealing for Keeps was definitely Rebecca Jenshak’s cutest book to date. I felt like I was reading, instead of watching, one of my favorite young adult coming of age sitcoms. There’s drama, there’s angst, there’s the sweet butterflies in your stomach feeling of truly falling in love for the first time, but there’s also some relatable real stuff that happens in this story. The dynamics between some of the characters and their families and friends, and just how different teens have different expectations thrust upon them by others/themselves and how that impacts them.
I truly enjoyed Austin and Claire’s story and I’m excited to see there is at least one more book in the series. So many great characters that I fell in love with in SfK, and some who I’d love see get a little redemption with their own stories. I think this story is perfect for anyone who enjoys romance reads, but with the sweetness of young love.
CW: cast from sport injury, kissing on page, mentions of first times, off page intimacy, underage drinking, fighting, complicated parental relationships (high expectations, ignored child, etc.)
*** If you let your teens watch shows like One Tree Hill or Gilmore Girls, then I’d say the content in this book will be fine. Always GENTLY suggest parents reading anything first to be ready to discuss with their teens if necessary.***
Stealing for Keeps was definitely Rebecca Jenshak’s cutest book to date. I felt like I was reading, instead of watching, one of my favorite young adult coming of age sitcoms. There’s drama, there’s angst, there’s the sweet butterflies in your stomach feeling of truly falling in love for the first time, but there’s also some relatable real stuff that happens in this story. The dynamics between some of the characters and their families and friends, and just how different teens have different expectations thrust upon them by others/themselves and how that impacts them.
I truly enjoyed Austin and Claire’s story and I’m excited to see there is at least one more book in the series. So many great characters that I fell in love with in SfK, and some who I’d love see get a little redemption with their own stories. I think this story is perfect for anyone who enjoys romance reads, but with the sweetness of young love.
CW: cast from sport injury, kissing on page, mentions of first times, off page intimacy, underage drinking, fighting, complicated parental relationships (high expectations, ignored child, etc.)
*** If you let your teens watch shows like One Tree Hill or Gilmore Girls, then I’d say the content in this book will be fine. Always GENTLY suggest parents reading anything first to be ready to discuss with their teens if necessary.***
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
The Fake Mate was an enjoyable fake dating/shifter romance. I love that we have fake dating or “fake mating” in such a contemporary setting, but with an Omega and an Alpha and using many elements from omegaverse books. I think my love for fake dating trope ensured that this one would be a winner for me, but also the author did a great job making me love Mackenzie’s sunshine yet uninterested in love vibe mixed with Noah’s grumpy work focused vibe. I will say that during the end I wanted to shake the hero a little bit, but that’s nothing new for me.
I think the voice actors did a great job. Each character has their own actor which I think brings the story more to life. They switch from chapter to chapter and each actor does the dialogue by themselves in their own chapter.
4.0
”You sound so pretty when you beg.”
The Fake Mate was an enjoyable fake dating/shifter romance. I love that we have fake dating or “fake mating” in such a contemporary setting, but with an Omega and an Alpha and using many elements from omegaverse books. I think my love for fake dating trope ensured that this one would be a winner for me, but also the author did a great job making me love Mackenzie’s sunshine yet uninterested in love vibe mixed with Noah’s grumpy work focused vibe. I will say that during the end I wanted to shake the hero a little bit, but that’s nothing new for me.
I think the voice actors did a great job. Each character has their own actor which I think brings the story more to life. They switch from chapter to chapter and each actor does the dialogue by themselves in their own chapter.